Wedge Mountain

Service Description

Wedge Mountain, also referred to as “The Wedge,” stands at 2,891 meters (9,485 feet) and presents climbers with stunning alpine scenery, a mix of technical and non-technical terrain, and rewarding summit views. NE Ridge Route - a classic of steep snow and ridge climbing to a terrific summit. What Climbing Wedge Mountain Entails 1. Approach and Access: o Trailhead: The adventure begins at the Wedgemount Lake Trailhead, located near Whistler, BC. The trailhead is accessible by car, with parking available. o Hiking to Wedgemount Lake: The initial hike to Wedgemount Lake is a steep and strenuous 7-kilometer (4.3 miles) trail with an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). The well-marked trail passes through dense forest and offers occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains. 2. Base Camp at Wedgemount Lake: o Setting Up Camp: Many climbers choose to set up base camp at Wedgemount Lake. The lake’s turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks create a picturesque setting. There are designated camping areas and a hut available on a first-come, first-served basis. o Acclimatization and Preparation: Spending a night at the lake helps with acclimatization and provides an opportunity to prepare for the summit push. 3. Ascent to the Summit: o Route Options: The standard route to the summit involves climbing the Northeast Arete, which requires a mix of hiking, scrambling, and technical climbing. Alternative routes, such as the West Ridge or the South Face, offer varying degrees of difficulty. o Technical Sections: The climb includes glacier travel, requiring climbers to navigate crevasses and use crampons and ice axes. The Northeast Arete features sections of exposed rock scrambling and climbing. o Summit Push: The final push to the summit involves a combination of snow and rock climbing. The route can be steep and exposed, requiring careful navigation and possibly rope use for safety. 4. Summit Experience: o Panoramic Views: From the summit, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains, including iconic peaks like Mount Garibaldi and Black Tusk. On clear days, the views extend to the Pacific Ocean and beyond. o Celebration and Reflection: Reaching the summit of Wedge Mountain is a significant achievement, offering a moment of celebration and reflection on the journey. 5. Descent: o Careful Navigation: The descent requires careful navigation of the same technical sections tackled during the ascent.